I think I have a reputation as one of the best supervisors. I try not to overwork people and, when I have to, I try to make sure they're at least involved in the strategy (not that this really makes it better).

My firm will never admit this, but it is sort of a lifestyle firm for junior associates. If they turn down work, nobody will bother them. If they want to take off, nobody asks them to cancel their trip. So, enjoy it as a junior. Take lots of vacations, travel abroad, and bill the minimal number of hours. If you happen to stay until you're a senior associate, nobody knows or remembers what you did as a junior (unless your work was shit).

i don't know that "retirement" is a real thing anymore in that people who retire really stop being productive in a lot of facets of life. if anything, jump to something new, start a business, etc. but don't ever fully "retire".

I don't know. It has been tough. I like the work, hate the hours, and most of all hate the stress it puts on my wife. Being rich is great but I'm not sure I'm going to stick it out long term. I may get the title and then start looking elsewhere.

Can we be honest. To the extent you "look around" it will be at other law firms to go do the exact same thing with perhaps marginally better hours. You have it in you to bill 3000 hours a year with small children. You won't quit now, or even 5 years from now when they barely know you.

As a former attorney turned biz person, no startup is hiring litigators. Nor is a small company. Realistically, the options for litigators are pretty minimal--if your goal is to get out of law firm life (which is great, btw), I'd start laying tracks for this ASAP.

I'm a 6th year and I finally got the balls to turn down work once I have enough to barely hit the 2000-2100 range. My life has improved remarkably since I started this. I'd honestly rather make 350 (or whatever I make after bonus) and have no partnership chance than put in even 2500 hours for a sure shot at partner level dough.

at least you are at a lockstep firm. I am at a v50-60 (sub v50 obviously) and am a senior associate in a major market making 260k. I am eligible for partner this year (no idea yet if I'm being put up) and believe that first year partners make under 350k base.